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37 pages 1 hour read

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Liz Kessler

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

209

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ocean • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

540L

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Super Short Summary

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, with illustrations by Sarah Gibb, tells the story of a girl who discovers her identity as a mermaid. Emily's journey explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure as she uncovers secrets about her family and navigates life between land and sea.

Fantastical

Adventurous

Inspirational

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

30,186 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Tail of Emily Windsnap enchants readers with its imaginative underwater world and relatable protagonist. Kessler's storytelling coupled with Gibb's illustrations captivate young audiences. However, some critics note a predictable plot and rushed character development. Overall, it's an engaging fantasy that appeals to middle-grade readers seeking adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tail of Emily Windsnap?

A reader who enjoys The Tail of Emily Windsnap likely appreciates imaginative, magical tales with young female protagonists. Fans of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan, who enjoy themes of adventure and self-discovery, would be captivated. Ideal for ages 8–12, with a love for mermaids and the sea.

4.3

30,186 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Emily

A young girl who discovers her true mermaid nature, leading her to navigate the complexities of belonging to both the human and merfolk worlds. Her journey is central to exploring identity and the blending of two different worlds.

A mermaid girl Emily meets, depicted in a classic way with long hair and a shimmering tail. Her interactions with Emily challenge her beliefs about humans and merfolk.

A half-merman who guards the boundary between humans and merfolk on Neptune's behalf. He serves as a reminder of the divide between the two worlds.

The king of the merfolk, who enforces strict laws to separate humans and merfolk. His presence and power influence key conflicts in the story.

Book Details
Pages

209

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ocean • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

540L

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